Within an hour of the Washington Post dropping its bombshell report that alleges Alabama Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore initiated a sexual encounter with a 14 year old when he was in his 30s, lawmakers within his own party were calling on him to step down from the race.

As of Thursday afternoon, at least nine Republican Senators called on Moore to step aside, and that number was rapidly growing. Those calling on Moore to leave the race included Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who had backed Moore’s primary opponent, Senator Luther Strange, and Colorado Senator Cory Gardener, who is chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

But there’s a catch if this happens. According to Alabama state law, it is too late to remove Moore’s name from the ballot should he or the GOP withdraw his name. Moore’s name will consequently remain on the ballot either way. But if he wins despite withdrawing his name, the election would be voided.

Here is the statement from John McCain…

The Moore campaign responded to the allegations of sexual misconduct by saying its all fake news